A to Z Glossary
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Aches
An ache is a constant dull pain in a part of the body
Allergic
An allergen is a substance that reacts with the body's immune system and causes an allergic reaction.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are medicines that can be used to treat infections caused by micro-organisms, usually bacteria or fungi. For example amoxicillin, streptomycin and erythromycin.
Antihistamines
Antihistamine medicine counteracts the action of histamine (a chemical released during an allergic reaction). For example loratadine, hydroxyzine.
Antidepressants
Antidepressant medicine is used to treat depression. For example Fluoxetine, Paroxetine
B
Bacteria
Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that live in the body. Some can cause illness and disease and some others are good for you.
Blood
Blood supplies oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide. It is pumped around the body by the heart.
Brain
The brain controls thought, memory and emotion. It sends messages to the body controlling movement, speech and senses.
Bronchodilator
Bronchodilator medicines are used to widen the airways of the lungs to help with breathing difficulties. For example, salbutamol.
C
Chronic
Chronic usually means a condition that continues for a long time or keeps coming back.
Congestion
Congestion is an excess of fluid in part of the body, often causing a blockage.
Corticosteroid
Corticosteroid is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the adrenal gland, or a synthetic hormone having similar properties. It is used to reduce inflammation, so reducing swelling and pain
D
Decongestant
Decongestant medicine relieves congestion by reducing the swelling of the lining the nose and sinuses and drying up the mucous
Doses
Dose is a measured quantity of a medicine to be taken at any one time, such as a specified amount of medication
E
Embolism
An embolism is the sudden blockage of a blood vessel, usually by a blood clot or air bubble.
Expectorants
Expectorant medicine helps you to cough up phlegm.
F
Fatigue
Fatigue is extreme tiredness and lack of energy.
Fever
A high temperature, also known as a fever, is when someone's body temperature goes above the normal 37°C (98.6°F).
G
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition of the digestive system where acid leaks back from your stomach into your oesophagus (gullet). The main symptoms are heartburn (a burning pain behind your breastbone), stomach pains, and bloating and belching.
I
Immune
The immune system is the body's defence system, which helps protect it from disease, bacteria and viruses.
Inflammation
Inflammation is the body's response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area
Intravenous
Intravenous (IV) means the injection of blood, drugs or fluids into the bloodstream through a vein.
J
Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, brought on by liver problems.
L
Liver
The liver is the largest organ in the body. Its main jobs are to secrete bile (to help digestion), detoxify the blood and change food into energy.
Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite is when you do not feel hungry or want to eat.
Lungs
Lungs are a pair of organs in the chest that control breathing. They remove carbon dioxide from the blood and replace it with oxygen.
N
Nausea
Nausea is when you feel like you are going to be sick.
Nodules
A nodule is a small growth or lump of tissue.
O
Oxygen
gas that makes up about 20% of the air we breathe.
P
Pain
Pain is an unpleasant physical or emotional feeling that your body produces as a warning sign that it has been damaged.
R
Rhinitis
Rhinitis is an inflammation of the lining of the nose. It can be caused by an infection, such as the common cold, or can be a response to an allergen, such as pollen. The symptoms are sneezing, a blocked, stuffy or runny nose, and an itchy nose, throat and eyes.#
S
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the small air-filled cavities inside the cheekbones and forehead. It is caused by infection. The most common symptoms are a throbbing pain that is worse when you move your head, a blocked or runny nose, and a high temperature.
Sleep apnoea
Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder where the upper airway in your throat collapses repeatedly, at irregular intervals, during sleep. You may be affected by sleep apnoea but remain unaware that you have the condition.However, as your sleep is disrupted you should begin to experience symptoms during the day, and your partner may witness an episode of sleep apnoea, or point out other symptoms that occur at night. Symptoms include snoring, lack of concentration during the day time, and frequent awakenings during the night.
T
Tissue
Body tissue is made up of groups of cells that perform a specific job, such as protecting the body against infection, producing movement or storing fat.
V
Vomiting
Vomiting is when you bring up the contents of your stomach through your mouth.
W
Wheezing
Wheezing is the whistling sound made during breathing when the airways are blocked or compressed
